Is Glaucoma Hereditary? Understanding Your Risk for Developing Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve. This nerve connects the eye and the brain together. It’s the second most common cause of blindness around the world. 

If a family member has recently been diagnosed with glaucoma, you may wonder if you’re also at risk. Some types of glaucoma are hereditary. Here’s what you need to know about how glaucoma may run in families and what you can do to keep your vision clear. 

Is glaucoma hereditary?

Yes, glaucoma can be a hereditary condition.

Types of glaucoma linked to gene mutations include:

• Primary open-angle glaucoma

• Primary congenital glaucoma (childhood glaucoma)

• Primary angle-closure glaucoma

• Pseudoexfoliation glaucoma 

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma in the United States. It’s the type of glaucoma people think of when they hear the term “glaucoma.”

You're at higher risk for this type of glaucoma if you have a family history of open-angle glaucoma. People who have an immediate family member with open-angle glaucoma are 4 to 9 times more likely to develop it. That means their risk of developing glaucoma is up to 900% more than the general population. 

But there isn’t one single gene mutation that causes primary open-angle glaucoma. Researchers believe gene interactions and environmental influences also affect whether someone develops glaucoma. So there’s good news. While a family history can heighten your risk, remember that it may not end up appearing. 

Can all types of glaucoma be inherited from your family?

No. Some types develop as a result of other medical conditions. 

For example, neovascular glaucoma can be a complication of diabetes or high blood pressure. 

Similarly, uveitis is an eye condition that can occur with certain autoimmune conditions. This can result in uveitic glaucoma.

Glaucoma can also develop if you need to take steroids for a medical condition. And traumatic glaucoma can occur after someone has an injury to their eye. 

If a family member has one of these types, you are not at higher risk for developing glaucoma. But you may be at risk for developing the medical conditions that led to the glaucoma. 

For example, you might be at higher risk for developing diabetes if it runs in your family. This condition can result in glaucoma.

What should you do if a parent or sibling has glaucoma?

If your parent or sibling has glaucoma, you're at higher risk for developing glaucoma. This is especially true for primary open-angle glaucoma.

You should talk to your healthcare provider and eye doctor about your family history. Your eye doctor may recommend annual dilated eye exams. This is to make sure you are not developing any signs of glaucoma. They may also ask you to see an ophthalmologist on a regular basis. 

You do not need genetic testing for glaucoma if it runs in your family. But if someone in your family has childhood glaucoma, work with your provider to see if it's necessary. 

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends genetic testing for children and young adults with congenital glaucoma or juvenile open-angle glaucoma. They also recommend genetic testing for family members too. In these specific situations, genetic testing can help with treatment decisions. Genetic testing can identify if other children are at risk for developing glaucoma. 

Can you prevent inherited glaucoma?

There’s nothing you can do to change the genes that your parents passed on to you. But there’s a lot you can do to keep your vision healthy even if you’re at risk for developing glaucoma. 

The most important step you can take is getting an annual dilated eye exam with your eye doctor. Your eye doctor can test for glaucoma and can pick up on the condition even before you notice any symptoms. This lets you start glaucoma treatment early — before permanent vision loss. 

Medicare covers annual testing for those at high risk for developing glaucoma. Most insurance companies also cover testing. 

How can you reduce your risk for glaucoma?

If you are at high risk for developing glaucoma, other things you can do to keep your vision healthy include:

• Eat a diet that promotes good eye health

• Exercise moderately

• Quit smoking

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a medical condition linked to glaucoma, follow your treatment plan. This will help lessen the chances of developing glaucoma related to these conditions. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Nishika Reddy, MD

Nishika Reddy, MD, is an attending physician at the University of Utah. She provides comprehensive and cornea medical care at the Moran Eye Center and serves as clinical assistant professor.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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